Louisiana Man Arrested for Murder After 19-Year-Old Woman Shot During Fight in Garland Parking Lot

GARLAND, Texas — A 20-year-old Louisiana man has been arrested and charged with murder after a fight in a Garland business parking lot escalated into gunfire, leaving a 19-year-old woman dead Sunday night.

Demarcus Deshaun Hawkins, 20, of Louisiana, was taken into custody in connection with the November 1, 2026, shooting that killed Zaria Calhoun, 19, according to the Garland Police Department.

Officers responded shortly before 11 p.m. to the 5300 block of North Garland Avenue after receiving reports of a fight in progress in the parking lot of a business.

While officers were on their way, dispatchers received additional information that gunshots had been heard.

Bystanders Attempted to Save Woman Found Unconscious

When Garland officers arrived, they found Calhoun lying unconscious in the parking lot.

Several bystanders were already performing lifesaving measures when police reached the scene.

Officers immediately joined the efforts to save her life.

Garland Fire Department paramedics transported Calhoun to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Fight Between Acquaintances Escalated Into Gunfire

During the investigation, detectives learned that a small group of people who appeared to know one another had gathered in the parking lot for an unknown reason.

An altercation broke out among the individuals and escalated into gunfire.

Calhoun was struck during the shooting.

Investigators subsequently identified Hawkins as the man they believe was responsible for firing the fatal shot.

Detectives located Hawkins and took him into custody.

Suspect Held Without Bond on First-Degree Murder Charge

Hawkins was charged with murder, a first-degree felony.

He is being held at the Garland Detention Center, where no bond has been set.

The Garland Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Calhoun's death.